Checklist - Questions to find answers to before making a commitment
- Who is on the current board and how did they get there?
- How long do board members serve?
- How many board members are needed to take action?
- What committees does the board have?
- Can you see the books and records of the nonprofit?
- How large is the overall budget?
- What are the responsibilities of the directors?
- Are the payroll taxes of the organization up-to-date?
- How and where do the meetings take place?
- Across the country, or virtual?
- How often does the board meet?
- How is business conducted between meetings?
- How much time will I be expected to devote to board business?
- Is there a cost associated with attending meetings?
- Are board members reimbursed for travel expenses?
- Is there an honorarium?
- Most volunteer board members serve at their own expense. However, they may be able to take a tax deduction for certain costs, such as travel.
- Will you be expected to donate a certain amount? How much fundraising will you have to do? You may be asked to help persuade people to donate and to donate yourself.
- Does the organization have a good training program for new board members? Will there be an orientation? Is there a board manual? Will you receive additional training for your fundraising duties?
- How formal or informal is the board? Check that against your preferences and needs.
- Why we have been recruited for a board and then make sure that the reasons match what we can or want to provide.